Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Bourton-on-the-Water Summer Holiday May 2018 Day 6

On the bus again but this time to Moreton-in-the-Marsh. From there it is a pleasant walk of 1.3/4 miles to Batsford Arboretum, the largest private collection of trees and shrubs in the country. It was developed in the late 19th century by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, grandfather of the Mitford sisters and very friendly with his wife's sister, who became the mother of Churchill's wife, Clementine.      The Arboretum was quite splendid although the weather was not at its best. We enjoyed our packed lunches in the Chinese Rest House, admired some magnificent trees and shrubs and did a bit of bird-watching. Mitford also imported several Chinese bronzes that appeared around the Garden. There is a falconry nearby and also a very good garden shop. We then split up with keen walkers going back to Moreton-on-the-Marsh the long way, others the short way and some even getting a lift! Once back in Bourton-on-the-Water the Chinese influence was still around, with tourists being photographed with the prettiest background in town, opposite Harrington House.

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8.5 miles for some

Weather much improved

Batsford Park House

Paper-handerchief tree

Bus to Moreton-on-the-Marsh

Chinese deer

Nuthatch going hunting for food again

Chinese Rest Room

Enjoying lunch

and a bit of contemplation

Walkers found some mud

Davidia involucrata - also known as the dove tree

Nuthatch food going in

Posing in Bourton

Waiting for the Bourton bus

Beautiful Batsford

Magnolia

Foo Dog on a cloisonne enamelled globe

Name needed please!

Buddha

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